Tim Tebow facts for kids
Tebow with the Denver Broncos in 2012
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| No. 15 | |||||||||||||||||
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| Position: | Quarterback | ||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||
| Born: | August 14, 1987 Makati, Philippines |
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| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 236 lb (107 kg) | ||||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||||
| High school: | Nease (Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, U.S.) | ||||||||||||||||
| College: | Florida (2006–2009) | ||||||||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 2010 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25 | ||||||||||||||||
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College Football Hall of Fame
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Timothy Richard Tebow (born August 14, 1987) is a famous American athlete. He played professional football as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for three seasons, mainly with the Denver Broncos. Before that, he was a star in college football for the Florida Gators. He was the first college player in his second year to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy. He also led his team to two national championships in 2006 and 2008. After his football career, Tim Tebow also played minor league baseball for the New York Mets organization. He is known for his strong Christian faith and for a unique prayer pose called "Tebowing." In 2023, he was honored by being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Early Life and High School Football
Tim Tebow was born in the Makati, Philippines on August 14, 1987. His American parents, Pamela and Robert, were missionaries there. While his mother was pregnant with Tim, she faced serious health challenges. Doctors were worried, but his parents prayed and believed everything would be okay. Tim was born healthy in Manila. When Tim was three, his family moved to Jacksonville, Florida.
Tim is the youngest of five children. His parents homeschooled him and his siblings, teaching them strong Christian values. Tim has dyslexia, a learning difference, but he sees it as a special gift. He started playing high school football as a tight end. Later, he moved to St. Johns County to play quarterback for Allen D. Nease High School. Even though he was homeschooled, Florida law allowed him to play for his local high school team.
Tim became very well-known in high school. He was famous for his running and throwing skills, and his strong desire to win. In his junior year, he played an entire half of a game with a broken leg, even rushing for a touchdown! He was named Florida's Player of the Year. In his senior year, he led his team, the Nease Panthers, to a state championship. He also won Florida's Mr. Football award and was named a high school All-American. He played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which features the best high school players in the country.
ESPN even made a documentary about Tim called "Tim Tebow: The Chosen One." It showed his homeschooling, missionary work, and amazing athletic talent. He was also featured in Sports Illustrated. In 2007, he was named one of the top 33 football players in Florida's high school history.
Homeschooling and Athletics
On January 7, 2007, Tim was featured on ESPN's Outside The Lines. This segment talked about homeschooled athletes who wanted to play high school sports in more states. Tim believed that all homeschooled students should have the chance to play for local teams. When he was nominated for the Heisman Trophy, he said it was an honor to be the first homeschooled athlete to achieve that. He wanted to show that homeschooled kids could be athletic too.
College Football Career
Many colleges wanted Tim to play for them. He chose the University of Florida to play for coach Urban Meyer's Florida Gators. He was a key player on the 2006 national championship team. In 2007, he became the starting quarterback and won the Heisman Trophy. He led the Gators to another national championship in 2008. He was also a team captain in 2008 and 2009. His teammates chose him as Florida's most valuable player three times.
2006 Season: A Strong Start
Tim started his college career as a backup quarterback. But he still played an important role in the Gators' success. In his very first college game, he rushed for a touchdown. He even led the team in rushing yards in his second game.
One of his best games in 2006 was against LSU. He scored all three of the Gators' touchdowns, throwing for two and running for one. He also helped the Gators win the 2007 BCS National Championship Game against Ohio State. He threw for one touchdown and rushed for another.
2007 Season: Heisman Winner
Tim became the starting quarterback for the Florida Gators in 2007. He had an amazing season, setting many records for his school and the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He led the SEC in rushing touchdowns with 20. He also set a career high with 5 rushing touchdowns in one game.
On November 24, he played against Florida State. He threw for three touchdowns and rushed for two, even though he fractured his right hand during the game. He played through the injury!
After the 2007 season, Tim was named a first-team All-American. He won the Heisman Trophy, which is given to the best college football player in the nation. He was the first player in his second year of college to win this award. He also won the Davey O'Brien Award for the best quarterback and the Maxwell Award.
He finished the regular season as the only player in college football history to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in the same season. He had 32 passing touchdowns and 23 rushing touchdowns. He was the third Florida player to win the Heisman Trophy.
2008 Season: Another Championship
On September 27, 2008, the Gators lost a game to Ole Miss. After the game, Tim gave a famous speech to the media, known as "The Promise." He apologized for the loss and promised that he and the team would work harder and do better. He kept his promise, and the Gators didn't lose another game that season.
On November 1, 2008, playing against Georgia, Tim broke the school record for rushing touchdowns. He led the Gators to a 12–1 record. They won the SEC title against Alabama. This win earned them a spot in the 2009 BCS National Championship Game against Oklahoma, which they won 24–14.
Tim finished third in the 2008 Heisman Trophy voting. He won the Maxwell Award again, becoming only the second player ever to win it twice. He also won the Manning Award and SEC Offensive Player of the Year. In January 2009, Tim announced he would return for his senior season at Florida instead of going to the NFL draft.
2009 Season: Record Breaker
Tim started the 2009 season strong, continuing his streak of throwing and running for touchdowns. In a game against Kentucky, he ran for two touchdowns and threw for one. During that game, he suffered a mild concussion after a hit. He was taken to the hospital but was cleared to play two weeks later.
On October 31, 2009, playing against Georgia, Tim broke the SEC career record for rushing touchdowns. He scored his 50th and 51st rushing touchdowns in that game. His last college game was the 2010 Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati. He had an incredible performance, completing 31 of 35 passes for 482 yards and three touchdowns. He accounted for four total touchdowns and 533 yards of total offense, setting a record for a Bowl Championship Series game. He graduated from the University of Florida in December 2009.
By the end of his college career, Tim held many NCAA, SEC, and University of Florida records. He was the SEC's all-time leader in career passing efficiency, completion percentage, and rushing touchdowns.
"The Tebow Rule"
In 2010, a new rule for college football banned messages on eye paint. This rule was called "The Tebow Rule" by the media.
During his college career, Tim often wrote Bible verses on his eye black. In the 2009 national championship game, he wore John 3:16. This verse became the most searched term on Google for the next 24 hours! Tim said this showed the big influence athletes can have. The NCAA said the rule was not just about Tim, but about keeping eye black for its intended purpose: to reduce glare.
Professional Football Career
After his amazing college career, Tim entered the 2010 NFL draft. Many people debated his potential in the NFL. Some thought he could change the game, while others doubted his ability to be a full-time NFL quarterback.
Denver Broncos
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The Denver Broncos selected Tim in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. He quickly set an NFL Draft record for jersey sales. On July 29, he signed a five-year contract with the Broncos.
On October 17, Tim scored his first NFL touchdown, a five-yard run. On November 14, he threw his first NFL touchdown pass. He started his first NFL game on December 19, 2010. He rushed for a 40-yard touchdown, the longest for a quarterback in Broncos history in his first start.
Tim's first NFL victory came on December 26, 2010. He helped the Broncos come back from a 17–0 deficit to win 24–23 against the Houston Texans. He finished his rookie season playing in nine games and starting three. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for a touchdown in each of his first three career starts.
2011 Season: Playoff Magic
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Tim began the 2011 season as the Broncos' backup quarterback. After the team started 1–3, he became the starter in week five. He led the Broncos to many exciting comeback victories. His habit of kneeling in prayer on the field became known as "Tebowing."
On November 6, Tim rushed for 118 yards, a great performance for a quarterback. He led the Broncos to a six-game winning streak, often with dramatic fourth-quarter comebacks.
On January 8, 2012, Denver hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL playoffs. Tim completed 10 of 21 passes for a career-high 316 yards and two touchdowns. He threw an 80-yard touchdown pass on the first play of overtime, winning the game 29–23! Many people noticed his passing yards (316) and yards per completion (31.6) reminded them of John 3:16 from the Bible. The next week, the Broncos lost to the New England Patriots.
New York Jets
After the Broncos signed another quarterback, Tim was traded to the New York Jets on March 21, 2012. He was used in special teams and in a special offensive formation called the wildcat formation. The Jets struggled that season, and fans often called for Tim to play more. He suffered two broken ribs during a game but played through the injury. On April 29, 2013, the Jets released him.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots signed Tim on June 10, 2013. He reunited with his former Broncos coach, Josh McDaniels. Tim played in preseason games but was released on August 31, 2013, when teams had to cut their rosters. He publicly thanked the Patriots and said he would keep chasing his dream of being an NFL quarterback.
Philadelphia Eagles
Tim signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on April 20, 2015. He competed for a backup quarterback spot. He played in all four preseason games, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for one. However, he was released by the team on September 5, 2015.
Jacksonville Jaguars
On May 20, 2021, after six years away from football, Tim contacted his former college coach, Urban Meyer, who was then coaching the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars signed him as a tight end to a one-year contract. He played in one preseason game but was released on August 17, 2021.
Awards and Honors
Tim Tebow received many awards and honors throughout his football career:
- 2006 season
- SEC All-Freshman Team
- 2007 season
- Walter Camp Award finalist
- Heisman Trophy Winner
- Sporting News Player of the Year
- First-team Academic All-American
- Manning Award finalist
- Rivals.com National Offensive Player of the Year
- First-team All-SEC (Associated Press, Coaches, Rivals.com)
- Associated Press SEC Offensive Player of the Year
- First-team All-American by many organizations
- Roy F. Kramer SEC Male Athlete of the Year
- ESPY for Best Male College Athlete
- 2008 season
- First-team All-America by College Football News
- ESPY for Best Male College Athlete
- Heisman Trophy finalist
- Roy F. Kramer SEC Male Athlete of the Year
- 2008 SEC Championship Game Most Valuable Player
- First-team All-SEC (AP, Coaches, Rivals.com)
- Southeastern Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year
- First-team Academic All-American
- 2009 season
- First-team Academic All-American
- Senior CLASS Award
- Heisman Trophy finalist
- First-team All-SEC (AP, Coaches, Rivals.com)
- Second-team All-America (Walter Camp Foundation)
- Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year
- Sports Illustrated College football Player of the Decade
Media and Culture
Tim Tebow's football career and strong Christian faith made him a well-known public figure.
In 2011, ESPN featured Tim in a documentary called Tim Tebow: Everything in Between. It followed him from the 2010 Sugar Bowl to the 2010 NFL draft.
On May 31, 2011, Tim released his autobiography, Through My Eyes, which he wrote with Nathan Whitaker. The book shared stories from his childhood in Jacksonville and the Philippines, and his experiences as a college football quarterback. It became a #1 sports book. He also released a young readers' edition.
Tim was also the subject of a 2012 documentary on NFL Network called The Faces of Tebow. He has been a spokesperson for companies like Nike and TiVo. In 2013, he even created his own line of headphones called 'Jet'.
In an episode that aired on February 4, 2016, Tim competed on Spike's Lip Sync Battle. He won the contest with fun performances of "Take Your Time" and "Eye of the Tiger".
Broadcasting Career
On December 30, 2013, Tim was hired by ESPN as a college football analyst. He appears mainly on the SEC Network as a co-host for SEC Nation, a pre-game show. He also contributes to other ESPN programs. His contract allowed him to continue pursuing opportunities as a player.
Tim signed a new contract with ESPN in 2017, which also allowed him to continue his professional baseball career. He also co-hosted ABC News' Good Morning America in 2014.
Tim has hosted two other TV shows: the second season of Home Free on Fox in 2016, and Million Dollar Mile on CBS in 2019. In September 2021, he joined First Take, a talk show with Stephen A. Smith.
Filmmaking Career
Tim Tebow was an executive producer and actor in his first movie, Run the Race. This inspirational sports drama with a football theme was released on February 22, 2019, in the U.S. His older brother, Robby Tebow, also helped produce it.
Professional Baseball Career
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Tebow batting in 2017
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| Left fielder | |||
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| debut | |||
| April 6, 2017, for the Columbia Fireflies | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| July 21, 2019, for the Syracuse Mets | |||
| MILB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .223 | ||
| Hits | 210 | ||
| Home runs | 18 | ||
| Runs batted in | 107 | ||
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In August 2016, Tim announced he wanted to pursue a career in professional baseball. He had not played baseball full-time since high school. Many Major League Baseball (MLB) teams watched him try out.
New York Mets Minor League Career
On September 8, 2016, Tim signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets. In his very first time at bat with the organization, he hit a home run! He played for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League.
2017 Season
Tim started the 2017 season with the Columbia Fireflies in Class A baseball. On April 6, 2017, he hit another home run in his first at bat for the Fireflies. Later, he was promoted to the St. Lucie Mets in Class A-Advanced. He hit another home run in his first game with St. Lucie.
2018 Season
In 2018, the Mets promoted Tim to their Double-A team, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. Again, he hit a home run in his first at bat for the new team! He was even named to the Eastern League All-Star Game. Unfortunately, he broke a bone in his right hand in July, which ended his season.
2019 Season
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In 2019, Tim played for the Syracuse Mets in Triple-A baseball. He had a good stretch in June and July, hitting three home runs in six games. However, he injured his left pinky finger in July, which ended his season early again.
2020 and Retirement
In February 2020, Tim hit his first major league spring training home run. On February 17, 2021, Tim and the Mets announced his retirement from professional baseball.
World Baseball Classic
Tim was invited to play for the Philippines national team in the 2021 World Baseball Classic. He was eligible because he was born there. The tournament's qualifying round was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sports Team Ownership
In July 2023, Tim Tebow became a co-owner of a new hockey team in the ECHL league. This team, called the Tahoe Knight Monsters, is based in the Lake Tahoe area. Tim was also a partner in other ECHL teams, the Jacksonville Icemen and Savannah Ghost Pirates. In August 2025, he became a co-owner of another new ECHL team in Augusta, Georgia.
Tim is also an investor in the soccer club Sporting Club Jacksonville.
"Tebowing"
"Tebowing" is a word used to describe the act of kneeling on one knee in prayer. It's done with your head bowed and an arm resting on the bent knee, just like Tim Tebow often did. The phrase became popular after a fan posted a picture of himself and friends mimicking Tim's prayer pose. This happened after a Broncos victory in 2011. The picture became very popular, and people all over the world started sharing their own "Tebowing" pictures.
In 2012, Tim was awarded the trademark for "Tebowing." The pose was even included as a feature in the Madden NFL 13 video game.
Personal Life
On January 10, 2019, Tim Tebow announced his engagement to Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, who was Miss Universe 2017 and a model from South Africa. They were married in South Africa on January 20, 2020. Their daughter was born in July 2025.
Tim was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame on January 9, 2023, and was officially inducted on December 5, 2023.
Christianity
Tim Tebow is well-known for his strong Christian faith. In the Philippines, he preached in schools and villages, and helped with medical care. He supports many evangelists working in that country. In the United States, Tim has shared his Christian faith in prisons and schools, and at church and youth events.
On Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, about 20,000 people in Florida listened to Tim speak. He talked about honoring his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, no matter what happens in life. He also spoke about the importance of being good role models for kids.
Philanthropy
During his college years, Tim dreamed of starting a foundation to help others. He and other University of Florida students created "First and 15." This group raised money for Uncle Dick's Orphanage in the Philippines, which was founded by his father's nonprofit organization. He also raised money for a children's cancer center and a trip to Disney for children in need.
In January 2010, Tim launched the Tim Tebow Foundation. In 2013, he was recognized as a "Great Floridian" by Florida Governor Rick Scott for his contributions to the state.
The Tim Tebow Foundation and CURE International announced plans to build a children's hospital in the Philippines in 2011. The Tebow CURE Hospital in Davao City has 30 beds and specializes in bone and joint problems. It helps children with conditions like clubfoot and untreated burns. The hospital also includes a special "Timmy's Playroom."
The Tim Tebow Foundation also hosts "Night to Shine," a special prom event for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
See also
In Spanish: Tim Tebow para niños
- 2007 College Football All-America Team
- 2008 College Football All-America Team
- List of Florida Gators football All-Americans
- List of Florida Gators in the NFL draft
- List of Heisman Trophy winners
- List of NCAA Division I FBS rushing touchdown leaders
- List of NCAA major college football yearly passing leaders
- List of SEC Most Valuable Players
- List of University of Florida alumni
- List of left-handed quarterbacks
